2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ESP

INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended
inspection procedures for the battery and related
components. In addition to the maintenance sched-
ules found in this service manual and the owner's
manual, it is recommended that these procedures be
performed any time the battery or related compo-
nents must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
damage. Replace any battery cable that has a dam-
aged or deformed terminal clamp.
(2) Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
(3) Slide the thermal guard off of the battery case,
if equipped. Inspect the battery case for cracks or
other damage that could result in electrolyte leaks.
Also, check the battery terminal posts for looseness.
Batteries with damaged cases or loose terminal posts
must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the battery thermal guard for tears,
cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any
battery thermal guard that has been damaged.
(5) Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight
glass for an indication of the battery condition. If the
battery is discharged, charge as required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
Large capacity, low-maintenance storage batteries
are standard factory-installed equipment on this
model. The primary battery is located in the engine
compartment on all models. A second auxiliary bat-
tery may be installed under the passengers front seat
for running additional electrical equipment.
Male post type terminals made of a soft lead mate-
rial protrude from the top of the molded plastic bat-
tery case to provide the means for connecting the
battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery
positive terminal post is physically larger in diameter
than the negative terminal post to ensure proper bat-
tery connection. The lettersPOSandNEGare also
molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to
their respective positive and negative terminal posts
for identification confirmation. Refer to Battery
Cables for more information on the battery cables
that connect the battery to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem.
The battery is made up of six individual cells that
are connected in series. Each cell contains positively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the positive terminal post, and negatively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the negative terminal post. Each plate con-
sists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with
lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - BATTERY
Micro 420 Battery Tester
8F - 6 BATTERY SYSTEMVA

HEATED SEATS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED SEATS
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEATS . 11
DRIVER HEATED SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH........................11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT...........................12
HEATED SEAT RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................12OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
RELAY..............................13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
HEATED SEAT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SENSOR............................13
PASSENGER HEATED SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PASSENGER
HEATED SEAT SWITCH.................14
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
HEATED SEATS
DESCRIPTION
Individually controlled, electrically heated front
seats are available factory-installed optional equip-
ment on this model. Vehicles with this option can be
visually identified by the two separate heated seat
switches mounted in the instrument panel. The
heated seat system allows the front seat driver and
passenger to select from two different levels of sup-
plemental electrical seat heating, or no seat heating
to suit their individual comfort requirements. The
heated seat system for this vehicle includes the fol-
lowing major components, which are described in fur-
ther detail later in this section:
²Heated Seat Elements- Four heated seat ele-
ments are used per vehicle, two for each front seat.
One heating element in the seat back and one in the
seat cushion. The heated seat sensor is integral to
the seat cushion heating element. The heated seat
elements are integral to the front seat and seat back
cushions. Refer to heated seat elements later in this
section for additional information.
²Heated Seat Relay- One heated seat relay is
used per vehicle. The relay is located in the fuse
block and is responsible for distributing the voltage
(B+) to the heated seat elements.
²Heated Seat Sensors- Two heated seat sen-
sors are used per vehicle, one for each front seat. The
heated seat sensors are integral to each of the heatedseat element assemblies. Refer to heated seat sensor
later in this section for additional information.
²Heated Seat Switches- Two heated seat
switches are used per vehicle, one for each front seat.
The switches are mounted in the instrument panel.
Refer to heated seat switches later in this section for
additional information.
Hard wired circuitry connects the heated seat sys-
tem components to each other through the electrical
system of the vehicle. Refer to Wiring for additional
information. The wiring information includes wiring
diagrams, proper wire and connector repair proce-
dures, further details on wire harness routing and
retention, as well as pin-out and location views for
the various wire harness connectors, splices and
grounds.
OPERATION
The heated seat system is designed to provide indi-
vidually controlled, supplemental heat to the seat
cushion and seat back surfaces of both front seats.
Because this system converts electrical current to
heat, the heated seat system can provide a measure
of warm comfort almost immediately upon entering a
cold vehicle, rather than having to wait for the
engine coolant to reach sufficient temperature to
deliver heat through the conventional heater system.
This system allows each front seat occupant to indi-
vidually select one of two comfort levels, Hi or Lo, or
to turn the heater for their seat off.
8G - 10 HEATED SEATSVA

The heated seat system components operate on
battery current received through a fuse in the Fuse
Block on a fused ignition switch output (run-acc) cir-
cuit so that the system will only operate when the
ignition switch is in the On or Accessory positions.
The heated seat system will be turned Off automati-
cally whenever the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Accessory. Also, the heated seat
system will not operate when the surface tempera-
ture of the seat cushion cover at either heated seat
sensor is above the designed temperature set points
of the system.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEATS
Refer toWiringfor the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO HEATED SEAT SWITCH
ILLUMINATION WITH IGNI-
TION ON1. Faulty fuse. 1. Check heated seat fuse in Fuse Block. Re-
place fuse, if required.
2. Wiring faulty. 2. Check fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
circuit from heated seat switch connector to igni-
tion switch. Repair, if required.
3. Ground faulty. 3. Check for ground at heated seat switch con-
nector. Repair, if required.
4. Faulty switch. 4. Refer to Heated Seat Switch for the proper
switch diagnosis and testing procedures.
DRIVER HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the instru-
ment panel, in the accessory switch bezel. The two,
momentary rocker type switches provide a signal to
the Heated Seat Relay through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch contains two light emitting
diodes (LED), one for each High and Low setting to
let the occupant know that the seat heater system is
on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three modes that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the top of the switch rocker is depressed, the
low mode is selected and the low mode LED indicator
illuminates. Depressing the top of the switch rocker a
second time will turn the heated seat to Off. This
same process is repeated for High heat setting. The
heated seats will automatically return to the Off
mode anytime the vehicle ignition switch is turned
Off.Both switches provide separate hard wire inputs to
the Heated Seat Relay to indicate the selected mode.
The Heated Seat Relay responds to the heated seat
switch messages by controlling the output to the seat
heater elements of the selected seat.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH
For circuit description and diagrams, refer toWir-
ing.
(1) Inspect the Heated Seat Switches for apparent
damage or sticking/binding and replace if required.
Refer to Heated Seat Switch Removal and Installa-
tion in this section.
(2) Replace the heated seat switch with a known
good unit and retest the heated seat system.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the gear selector bezel trim. Refer to
the Body section for the procedure.
(3) Remove the storage bin. Refer to the Body sec-
tion for the procedure.
(4) Remove the switch bezel retaining screw and
remove the switch bezel from the instrument panel.
Refer to the Body section for the procedure.
(5) Disconnect electrical connections.
VAHEATED SEATS 8G - 11

second time will turn the heated seat to Off. This
same process is repeated for High heat setting. The
heated seats will automatically return to the Off
mode anytime the vehicle ignition switch is turned
Off.
Both switches provide separate hard wire inputs to
the Heated Seat Relay to indicate the selected mode.
The Heated Seat Relay responds to the heated seat
switch messages by controlling the output to the seat
heater elements of the selected seat.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PASSENGER
HEATED SEAT SWITCH
For circuit description and diagrams, refer toWir-
ing.
(1) Inspect the Heated Seat Switches for apparent
damage or sticking/binding and replace if required.
Refer to Heated Seat Switch Removal and Installa-
tion in this section.
(2) Replace the heated seat switch with a known
good unit and retest the heated seat system.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the gear selector bezel trim. Refer to
the Body section for the procedure.
(3) Remove the storage bin. Refer to the Body sec-
tion for the procedure.
(4) Remove the switch bezel retaining screw and
remove the switch bezel from the instrument panel.
Refer to the Body section for the procedure.
(5) Disconnect electrical connections.
(6) Working from the underside of the switch, gen-
tly rock the switch back and forth out of its mounting
location in the switch bezel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the heated seat switch in its mounting
location in the switch bezel.
(2) Connect electrical connections.
(3) Position the switch bezel and install the retain-
ing screw. Refer to the Body section for the proce-
dure.
(4) Install the storage bin. Refer to the Body sec-
tion for the procedure.
(5) Install the gear selector bezel trim. Refer to the
Body section for the procedure.
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
8G - 14 HEATED SEATSVA

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER............................7
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CLUSTER PROGRAMMING...............7
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
ABS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION...........................10
ADR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
AIRBAG INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................12
BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
CHARGING INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
CLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................15
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................16
ESP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
FUEL FILTER CLOGGED INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................18
GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
LOW OIL LEVEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
MAINTENANCE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................21
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
ODOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................23
PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................24
SEATBELT INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
SPEEDOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
TACHOMETER
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
WASHER FLUID INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 1

Located between the rear cover and the cluster
hood is the cluster housing. The molded plastic clus-
ter housing serves as the carrier for the cluster elec-
tronic circuit board and circuitry, the cluster
connector receptacles, the gauges, a Light Emitting
Diode (LED) for each cluster indicator and general
illumination lamp, the multi-function indicator LCD
unit, electronic tone generators, the cluster overlay,
the gauge pointers, the multi-function indicator
switches and the four switch push buttons.
The cluster overlay is a laminated plastic unit. The
dark, visible, outer surface of the overlay is marked
with all of the gauge dial faces and graduations, but
this layer is also translucent. The darkness of this
outer layer prevents the cluster from appearing clut-
tered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators
that are not illuminated, while the translucence of
this layer allows those indicators and icons that are
illuminated to be readily visible. The underlying
layer of the overlay is opaque and allows light from
the LED for each of the various indicators and illu-
mination lamps behind it to be visible through the
outer layer of the overlay only through predeter-
mined cutouts. A rectangular opening in the overlay
at the base of the speedometer provides a window
through which the illuminated multi-function indica-
tor LCD unit can be viewed.
Several versions of the EMIC module are offered
on this model. These versions accommodate all of the
variations of optional equipment and regulatory
requirements for the various markets in which the
vehicle will be offered. The microprocessor-based
EMIC utilizes integrated circuitry, Electrically Eras-
able Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
type memory storage, information carried on the
Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, along with
several hard wired analog and multiplexed inputs to
monitor systems, sensors and switches throughout
the vehicle.
In response to those inputs, the hardware and soft-
ware of the EMIC allow it to control and integrate
many electronic functions and features of the vehicle
through both hard wired outputs and the transmis-
sion of electronic message outputs to other electronic
modules in the vehicle over the CAN data bus. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION -
CAN BUS).
Besides typical instrument cluster gauge and indi-
cator support, the electronic functions and features
that the EMIC supports or controls include the fol-
lowing:
²Active Service System- In vehicles equipped
with the Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oil
maintenance indicator option, the EMIC electronic
circuit board includes a second dedicated micropro-
cessor. This second microprocessor evaluates various
data including time, mileage, and driving conditionsto calculate the required engine oil service intervals,
and provides both visual and audible alerts to the
vehicle operator when certain engine oil maintenance
services are required.
²Audible Warnings- The EMIC electronic cir-
cuit board is equipped with an audible tone generator
and programming that allows it to provide various
audible alerts to the vehicle operator, including buzz-
ing and chime tones. An audible contactless elec-
tronic relay is also soldered onto the circuit board to
produce audible clicks that is synchronized with turn
signal indicator flashing to emulate the sounds of a
conventional turn signal or hazard warning flasher.
These audible clicks can occur at one of two rates to
emulate both normal and bulb-out turn or hazard
flasher operation. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHIME/BUZZER - DESCRIPTION).
²Panel Lamps Dimming Control- The EMIC
provides a hard wired 12-volt Pulse-Width Modulated
(PWM) output that synchronizes the dimming level
of all panel lamps dimmer controlled lamps with that
of the cluster general illumination lamps and multi-
function indicator.
The EMIC houses four analog gauges and has pro-
visions for up to nineteen indicators (Fig. 3). The
EMIC includes the following analog gauges:
²Coolant Temperature Gauge
²Fuel Gauge
²Speedometer
²Tachometer
The EMIC includes provisions for the following
indicators (Fig. 3):
²Airbag (SRS) Indicator
²Antilock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
²Brake Indicator
²Brake Wear Indicator
²Charging Indicator
²Clogged Fuel Filter Indicator
²Constant Engine Speed (ADR) Indicator
²Coolant Low Indicator
²Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indica-
tor
²High Beam Indicator
²Low Fuel Indicator
²Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
²Multi-Function Indicator (LCD)
²Park Brake Indicator
²Seatbelt Indicator
²Traction Control (ASR) Indicator
²Traction Control (ASR) Malfunction Indica-
tor
²Turn Signal (Right and Left) Indicators
²Washer Fluid Indicator
²Wait-To-Start Indicator
²Water-In-Fuel Indicator
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 3

Except for the indications provided within the
multi-function indicator LCD unit, each indicator in
the EMIC is illuminated by a dedicated LED that is
soldered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board.
Cluster illumination is accomplished by dimmable
LED back lighting, which illuminates the gauges for
visibility when the exterior lighting is turned on. The
cluster general illumination LED units are also sol-
dered onto the EMIC electronic circuit board. The
LED units are not available for service replacement
and, if damaged or faulty, the entire EMIC must be
replaced.Hard wired circuitry connects the EMIC to the
electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired cir-
cuits are integral to the vehicle wire harnesses,
which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained
by many different methods. These circuits may be
connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem and to the EMIC through the use of a combina-
tion of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and
many different types of wire harness terminal con-
nectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wir-
ing information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
Fig. 3 Gauges & Indicators
1 - AIRBAG INDICATOR 16 - SEATBELT INDICATOR
2 - TACHOMETER 17 - ABS INDICATOR
3 - LEFT TURN INDICATOR 18 - MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR PLUS/MINUS SWITCH
PUSH BUTTONS
4 - SPEEDOMETER 19 - MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR (INCLUDES: CLOCK, GEAR
SELECTOR INDICATOR, ODOMETER, TRIP ODOMETER, EN-
GINE OIL LEVEL DATA, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
[OPTIONAL], & ACTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM [ASSYST] ENGINE
OIL MAINTENANCE INDICATOR [OPTIONAL])
5 - TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR 20 - MULTI-FUNCTION INDICATOR MODE (MILES [KILOME-
TERS]/TIME) SWITCH PUSH BUTTONS
6 - RIGHT TURN INDICATOR 21 - COOLANT LOW INDICATOR
7 - ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE 22 - BRAKE INDICATOR
8 - FUEL GAUGE 23 - OIL LEVEL INDICATOR
9 - WAIT-TO-START INDICATOR 24 - BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR
10 - WASHER FLUID INDICATOR (OPTIONAL) 25 - WATER-IN-FUEL INDICATOR
11 - CONSTANT ENGINE SPEED (ADR) INDICATOR (OPTION-
AL)26 - CHARGING INDICATOR
12 - LOW FUEL INDICATOR 27 - HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
13 - TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION INDICATOR 28 - PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
14 - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 29 - FUEL FILTER CLOGGED INDICATOR
15 - ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) INDICATOR
(OPTIONAL)
8J - 4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERVA

procedures, further details on wire harness routing
and retention, as well as pin-out and location views
for the various wire harness connectors, splices and
grounds.
The EMIC modules for this model are serviced only
as complete units. The EMIC module cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If a gauge, an LED indicator,
the multi-fuction indicator LCD unit, an electronic
tone generator, the electronic circuit board, the cir-
cuit board hardware, the cluster overlay, the cluster
housing, the cluster hood, the cluster lens, or the
cluster rear cover are damaged or faulty, the entire
EMIC module must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
is designed to allow the vehicle operator to monitor
the conditions of many of the vehicle components and
operating systems. The gauges, meters and indicators
in the EMIC provide valuable information about the
powertrain, fuel and emissions systems, cooling sys-
tem, lighting systems, safety systems and many
other convenience items. The EMIC is installed in
the instrument panel so that all of these monitors
can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator when
driving, while still allowing relative ease of access for
service. The microprocessor-based EMIC hardware
and software uses various inputs to control the
gauges and indicators visible on the face of the clus-
ter. Some of these inputs are hard wired, but many
are in the form of electronic messages that are trans-
mitted by other electronic modules over the Control-
ler Area Network (CAN) data bus network. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/COMMUNICATION - OPERATION).
The EMIC microprocessor smooths the input data
using algorithms to provide gauge readings that are
accurate, stable and responsive to operating condi-
tions. These algorithms are designed to provide
gauge readings during normal operation that are con-
sistent with customer expectations. However, when
abnormal conditions exist such as high coolant tem-
perature, the algorithm can drive the gauge pointer
to an extreme position and the microprocessor can
sound a chime through the on-board audible tone
generator to provide distinct visual and audible indi-
cations of a problem to the vehicle operator. The
instrument cluster circuitry also provides audible
turn signal and hazard warning support by emulat-
ing the ªtickingº sound associated with a conven-
tional electro-mechanical flasher using a contactless
relay. The relay will also provide an indication of a
turn signal failure by sounding at double the usual
frequency. Each audible warning is provided to the
vehicle operator to supplement a visual indication.
The EMIC circuitry operates on battery current
received through a non-switched fused B(+) circuit,
and on a fused ignition switch output circuit. TheEMIC circuitry is grounded through a ground circuit
and take out of the frame wire harness with an eye-
let terminal connector that is secured to a stud by a
nut at a ground location on the dash panel just for-
ward of the instrument cluster. Separate switched
ground inputs from the key-in ignition switch and
the front door jamb switches provide wake-up signals
to the EMIC circuitry. This arrangement allows the
EMIC to provide some features regardless of the igni-
tion switch position, while other features will operate
only with the ignition switch in the On position.
Proper diagnosis and testing of the EMIC, the
CAN data bus, the data bus electronic message
inputs to and outputs from the EMIC, as well as the
retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. See
the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of the
EMIC.
GAUGES
All gauges receive battery current through the
EMIC circuitry only when the instrument cluster
detects the ignition switch is in the On position. With
the ignition switch in the Off position, battery cur-
rent is not supplied to any gauges and the EMIC cir-
cuitry is programmed to move all of the gauge
needles back to the low end of their respective scales.
Therefore, the gauges do not accurately indicate any
vehicle condition unless the ignition switch is in the
On position.
All of the EMIC gauges are air core magnetic
units. Two fixed electromagnetic coils are located
within each gauge. These coils are wrapped at right
angles to each other around a movable permanent
magnet. The movable magnet is suspended within
the coils on one end of a pivot shaft, while the gauge
needle is attached to the other end of the shaft. One
of the coils has a fixed current flowing through it to
maintain a constant magnetic field strength. Current
flow through the second coil changes, which causes
changes in its magnetic field strength. The current
flowing through the second coil is changed by the
EMIC circuitry in response to messages received over
the CAN data bus. The gauge needle moves as the
movable permanent magnet aligns itself to the
changing magnetic fields created around it by the
electromagnets.
Proper diagnosis and testing of the gauges, the
CAN data bus and the electronic data bus message
inputs to the EMIC that control each gauge require
the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appro-
priate diagnostic information. Specific operation
details for each gauge may be found elsewhere in
this service information.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 5